St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, an SLH Hotel — Hotel in Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Luxury with personality. My first time visiting a resort, and it surpassed my expectations, we booked St Nicolas Bay for 7 nights half board as a couple, in one of their classic rooms. The staff made this stay super special, one of the things you notice is that staff are everywhere you never have to search someone out. If you need something there is always someone to help within your eyesight. Whether that’s a beer whilst you lie on your sun lounger, a question about taxi bookings, or even just a chat they are all polite, friendly and personality. It was lovely that they can be themselves as well as deliver the highest quality service.

The facilities are wonderful, the beach is big enough for all with many sun loungers away from the beach too if you want some peace and quiet to read a book or nap. We never had a problem getting a spot, wherever we wanted. The Spa is a lovely sanctuary of tranquillity, it’s cool and calm away from the heat of the day. We had massages on two occasions and the staff were amazing, we were able to have our massages at the same time, in the same room which was fun. Before our treatments we used the Sauna, Hammam and indoor pool all were clean, modern and well appointed. It felt like visiting a proper spa, not a hotel that’s installed something as an afterthought. I also used the gym, it’s not big but has everything you need, treadmill, rower, weights equipment and plenty of room for stretching. We were also lucky enough to attend the complementary yoga classes, the instructor was great and again it was nice to have a break from the beach (and the bar!). There is a full set of water sports activities available right there from the beach front Now, the important bit…. The food. I was extremely apprehensive about having a buffet dinner and breakfast each day, I love my food and was worried I would over eat and get bored of the selection. At St Nicolas Bay, the buffet is so much more than a buffet! At breakfast there is such a plethora of delicious food you could eat a different breakfast every day, with healthy options, hot options (which change), continental meats and local specialities, there is something for everyone as well as a menu to order from if the buffet doesn’t take your fancy…. What choice! At dinner again, there is an incredible buffet to chose from as well as daily changing hot dishes inside, but what surprised me, is even sitting down in the ‘buffet’ restaurant you are presented with a menu. Each evening you can choose from a soup, 3 different mains (including vegetarian and vegan options) as well as a dessert of the day. In addition to the main restaurants there are three small bars, one which has piano each night, the blue bay which is open all day and served lunch and the Bonacci beach bar. It became our routine to head down to the water’s edge and finish our day at the Bonacci beach bar, the ambiance is wonderful with soft lighting and Djs on...

Review from 30 year old couple, first time to Crete- regularly travel to Greece.||First of all the service in this hotel is fantastic, every member of staff is friendly and can’t do enough for you- in particular the breakfast team and the staff in the restaurant.||We visited here as part of our Babymoon due to be parents in August and they really did make us feel special. At first I was a little dissapointed with our room, it wasn’t bad I just always expect it to look exactly like the pictures, so when we didn’t have a couch/ our balcony set looked different it through me a little bit. I think this may have been an older room HOWEVER the staff kindly upgraded us to a suite which was gorgeous - the other villas looked beautiful so if you have the money definately worth the upgrade.||Beds are comfortable and the rooms are super clean, loved the balmain toiletries and the fluffy bath robes! ||We went half board with the hotel and I have to say the food was incredible, there is only one restaurant but we loved the buffet for starter and desert and the main options where different every night and ordered and cooked specially for you, this felt like a nice touch! The cakes where gorgeous I ate far to many every night 😂||We didn’t eat at the specialty restaurants as we didn’t feel like we needed to, plus they seemed a little bit more expensive.||The grounds here are beautiful, very traditional Greek and very pretty! You can tell they where well maintained.||Improvements||For us this stay was perfect as it was five nights and we just wanted a total relaxation- however we found the hotel a little to quiet especially of an evening, maybe because it was mid May so not the busiest season but there is literally nothing to do in the hotel of an evening, unless you go to the Greek specialty restaurant on a set night I believe they may have some entertainment? They do have a piano player one night but where he is situated isn’t great and it’s just low piano songs- if this hotel invested in a violinist or a sax / singer one night this would really boost the entertainment and I imagine more people would have drinks after dinner, we ended up going back to the room and watching Netflix. I think atmosphere is an evening is all this hotel is missing and with it - could be even more amazing! ||Again the town of Agios Nikolias is only five mins in a taxi , beautiful lake and area but again we only ventured there once as there didn’t seem a lot going on - we spend a lot of time in Lindos/ Mykonos/ thassos/ skiathos and I have to say these towns have a lot more going on in comparison - again may have been the time of year. ||Overall a fantastic stay at the hotel, some tiny recommendations to improve even further.||Thank you for the...

Returning to this 5 Star gem

When I left St Nicholas Bay last August, I knew I would return … with so much travel uncertainty this Summer, I wanted somewhere I could be confident would be dealing with the Covid restrictions in a very professional manner.

On arrival we received a very warm welcome form the staff and it was great to catch up with Alex (GM), Nikos (Front Office M) and Christos (F&B M) who continue to run such a tight ship.

Last year the hotel was at 30% the mandated occupancy and this August it was at 90% of the capacity, yet I the high level of personal service and responsiveness was no different! Despite the high occupancy the resort never felt busy or crowded. I can understand why guests return year after year.

We stayed in a Club Suite with unobstructed views over the beautiful Mirabello Bay. Fittings are to a high standard and the balcony had complete privacy. The Suite benefited from a large bathroom and separate sitting room, great storage, spacious fridge, and good quality safe. The room service is very responsive and fast.

Food is of an exceptionally high standard across half board and a la carte restaurants. The breakfast buffet is very extensive which if you are tempted include an amazing selection of pastries! This year the half board dinner service combined hot and cold meze starters from a buffet together with a selection of main dishes served at the table ... again the deserts were to die for! The inclusive dinner is as good a half board service as I have experienced in the Mediterranean. We ate at the signature Minotaur and Greek Kafenio restaurants … impeccable service from some friendly faces and lovely food. One recommendation would be more variety of live music at the Minotaur.

We had four treatments at the spa which I can truly say is world-class based on my considerable travels around the world. The ambience, facilities and staff are exceptional … be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!

Pool is gorgeous with 180 deg. views over the bay and across to the Eastern mountains. Enclosed sandy beach and small bay ensures safe swimming and good snorkelling. Plenty of loungers on beach and chairs on the adjoining bar area. The cocktails on the beach were of the top quality and very refreshing. Try a taste of the tropical fruity pina colada. This irresistible blend of creamy coconut, smooth white rum and tangy pineapple is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth on a hot day.

The hotel and staff continue to deal with the Covid restrictions very well. Everywhere is exceptionally clean and all the staff are rigorous in application of the precautions.

The hotel remains a true 5 Star gem. I hope to...